How Honest are You?

Daily Inspiration

I recently read a very interesting story in the newspaper about a study on honesty. The researchers placed a wallet on the ground and then waited to see whether or not people would turn in that wallet when they found it. In a nutshell, here are the details of what they did. “Each of the one hundred wallets contained $2.10 in real money, a fake $50.00 gift certificate, some miscellaneous items and a clearly written ID card identifying the lost wallet's rightful owner. We were curious as to how honest people would be and wanted to see how different races, genders and age groups would compare to each other.” Each person was also videotaped in the process. Overall, 74 people were honest and returned the wallet and 26 took the wallet and said nothing.

With that study in mind, let me ask you today to assess your sense of honesty. If you were one of those unsuspecting subjects, what would you have done? Would you be counted among the majority and return that wallet or would you see it as a “finders keepers, losers weepers” kind of event? For most people, their deeds of honesty go unnoticed because they are not observed or videotaped. Nonetheless, being honest builds your character and sets your moral compass. These are two things that are not visible to the naked eye but stand out to those who know you. However, if your honest assessment finds that you are to be counted among that dishonest 26%, make today the day you begin to reshape your character and reset your moral compass. That, my friends, is much more valuable than anything you can find in a wallet!

Wishing You Great Health,

Dr. John H. Sklare

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